McCall, Idaho – With clear weather yesterday, air resources were able to fly a mapping mission around the fire’s perimeter and adjusted the acres to 25,786 acres and kept it at 12% containment. The previous week’s unstable weather conditions and heavy rains have kept air resource utilization to a minimum for safety concerns. Air resources will be back in the air this week supporting strategic operations and the firefighters on the ground.   

A low pressure system moved through the region yesterday bringing wind, afternoon rain and cooler temperatures. This allowed for minimal fire behavior in and along the fire’s perimeter. High pressure will move into the region today lowering humidity levels and raising temperatures. Air quality remains clear for the region and will be monitored in the coming weeks by newly installed air monitors in the river basin and adjacent communities. 

Firefighting crews have finished installing pumps and hose lines around structures as well as clearing around numerous inholdings in the Salmon River basin. Heavy equipment continues to build a fire break along the Magruder road corridor, tying that break back into the Dixie Fire scar of 2021. Crews continue to construct 26 miles of indirect fire line from the White Water Ranch. The goal is to tie this indirect line into the Shissler Fire burn scar supporting the long-term containment plan. 

The U.S. Forest Service Nez Perce-Clearwater, and Payette National Forests issued the Elkhorn fire area, roads and trails closure order #01-17-05-23-003, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices/?aid=82169. The closure area spans both sides of the Salmon River but excludes the Salmon River Wild and Scenic Corridor below the high-water line.  

Boaters are required to stop at Hancock Campsite on at river mile 26.1 to receive further instruction from a Forest Service representative regarding passing through and camping in the area of the Elkhorn fire. Camping, recreating (i.e., picnic, bathroom breaks and beach walking) and stopping through the area of fire activity is allowed. Upon leaving Hancock Camp there will be no stopping until boaters pass Magpie Creek Camp. After passing Magpie Creek Camp, boaters will be allowed to camp and recreate on a First Come, First Served basis everywhere except: Upper Allison, Allison, Lower Allison, Whitewater Camp, Campbell’s Ferry and China Bar. Upon leaving China Bar, there are no camping restrictions connected to the Elkhorn Fire. For additional information on rafting, contact the river desk at 208-756-5587 or 208-481-2625. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place. All aircraft (including drones) not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area.   

Visit InciWeb for information on wildfires at https://inciweb.ncwg.gov and follow the Payette National Forest on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest  

Favorable weather limits growth on Kane Fire

August 10, 2023 – Daily Update

Acres: 2,868 acres

Start Date: August 4, 2023

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 0%

Total personnel: 242

Location: 11 miles south of US 89A, near Forest Road 220, North Kaibab Ranger District, AZ

Fuels: Pinyon pine/juniper with grasses and sage

Highlights: Increased cloud cover, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity is helping to suppress fire activity on the Kane Fire. Yesterday morning, smoke was less visible over the fire area due to lighter winds. As temperatures increased in the afternoon, some smoke was visible along the fire perimeter but remained minimal. Yesterday, a reconnaissance flight detected some isolated pockets of heat, with the majority of the activity on the southeast corner of the fire area.

Operations: Firefighters continue to focus most of their efforts at the historic Kane Ranch. Crews are clearing vegetation along an aboveground pipeline that helps transport water to storage tanks at the Kane Ranch. Under the guidance of local resource advisors, crews are using heavy equipment to improve the Buffalo Ranch Road to create a barrier to fire spread. On the Kane Fire, resource advisors are developing recommendations and monitoring operational activities to minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources. These resource advisors are working alongside Division Supervisors as firefighters remove vegetation near cultural and historic sites, such as rock writing, to reduce the risk of fire damaging these sensitive resources. As thunderstorms bring more lightning to the area, dedicated crews will be available for initial attack of new fire starts.

Weather: A southerly flow off the southern California coast will bring moisture over the fire area into the weekend. A good chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected each day with lower chances at night. Winds will generally be out of the south to southwest during the day and light at night. High temperatures will range from 84 to 87 degrees at 5,400 feet in elevation, and 75 to 78 degrees at 7,400 feet.

Closures: The Kaibab National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Kane Fire. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Kane Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. The full closure order (No. 03-07-23-06) and map are available on the Kaibab National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Kane Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.

Smoke: Smoke from the Kane Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas of Page, Tuba City, Tusayan, Flagstaff, and Fredonia, AZ. Although smoke is visible from many areas south of the Grand Canyon, it is generally spreading to the northeast. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/azknf-kane-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

Kaibab NF website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/kaibab/home

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaibabNF

Email: 2023.kane@firenet.gov

Phone: (928) 421-4983

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Community Meeting Scheduled for The Black Feather Fire

Acres: 2,352 acres 

Start Date: August 5, 2023 

Cause: Lightning  

Fuels: Timber, Brush, Understory 

Containment: 0% 

Resources: 273 personnel 

Location: Approximately 9 miles south of Gallina, NM, on the Santa Fe National Forest, Coyote Ranger District. Near the Peñas Negras Trail in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.   

Highlights: A community meeting regarding the Black Feather Fire is scheduled today, Thursday, August 10, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Coronado High School Campus, located at 1903 NM-96, Gallina, NM 87017. It will be live-streamed on the Black Feather Fire Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/blackfeatherfireinfo  for those unable to attend in person (no account is needed to view this live-stream).  

The lightning-caused Black Feather Fire was discovered on August 5, 2023. It is being managed with a full-suppression strategy. Additional resources continue to arrive, giving firefighters additional support in managing the incident. Current resources include, 6 hotshot crews, 19 engines, 5 helicopters, 4 dozers, 5 water tenders, initial attack crew, and numerous fix-wing aircraft.  

The change in reported acreage occurred due to more accurate mapping of the fire. Recent rain and forecasted moisture moderates fire behavior, however there is a heavy dead and down fuel component which is resistant to extinguishment. A combination of strategies is being utilized to address the challenges of the fire in the wilderness.   

Operations: Firefighters continue aggressive efforts in the area, deploying additional resources to establish containment lines closer to the fire’s edge. Structure protection crews are assigned to surrounding communities. They are strategizing on how to best protect property, infrastructure, and other values at risk, in the event the fire continues to move out of the wilderness area. Heavy equipment, engine, and hand crews will continue to focus along the north to southeast ends of the fire, clearing brush, timber, and tree limbs around the 93, 70, and 76 roads to provide more direct access to the fire and improving containment lines. 

Evacuations:  The communities of Mesa Pinebetal and Mesa Poleo remain in ‘Set’ status. The community of Wetherill is in ‘Ready’ status. The Coyote Senior Center is open to evacuees, and livestock can be taken to the Rio Arriba Rural Event Center near Abiquiu. The Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating evacuations, for more information, visit the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079688263048   

Safety: Please stay out of the fire area to allow crews safe access to the fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place around the fire area. Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. If you fly, we can’t fly. 

Weather: The forecast calls for a higher chance of rain, along with cloudier and more humid conditions. Monsoonal moisture will likely make a stronger push towards the fire. On and off showers are expected beginning at 3 p.m. through the night. Drier weather is anticipated again on Friday, but another strong surge of moisture will occur this weekend. Winds throughout the period are anticipated to be roughly out of the west at 10-15 mph and gusts into the 20s with potential for out-flow winds which can push the fire in any direction.  

Restrictions/Closures: Forest Road 103 is closed for firefighter safety and heavy equipment operations. Residential access is available. Please use caution if traveling in the area and refrain from using the continental divide trail along the San Pedro Parks Wilderness section. Road closures are being adjusted based on fire activity.   

Smoke: Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/  

Fire Information: 505-460-0499 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/blackfeatherfireinfo

The Tin Soldier Complex is estimated at 2,632 acres in size and remains 0% contained.  There was no IR flight last night therefore an update on acreage is not available at this time. 

Acres burned as of the morning of Thursday, August 10th. 

• Bruce Fire – 993 acres at 0% containment 

• Kah Mtn Fire – 430 acres at 0% containment 

• Sullivan Fire – 1,209 acres at 0% containment 

• Con Kelly Fire – 0.25 acres – Out. 

The Bruce, Kah and Sullivan fires are being managed with point source protection to protect values at risk.  Values at risk include Stony Communications Site, hydro-electric plant, Heinrude residential community, commercial guest ranches and the Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound.   

PAST AND PLANNED ACTIONS 

Today’s actions will include ongoing structure protection efforts for the Spotted Bear Ranch, Diamond R Ranch, Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound, and the Heinrude residential community. Mechanical equipment continues to establish a fuel break to the south and re-establish fuel breaks to the north end in the area around the community.  Additionally, fire personnel continue to lay hose line and sprinklers around structures within the Heinrude community.  A crew will resume work to wrap the Spotted Bear Lookout. 

EVACUATIONS, CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS  

Evacuation:  An evacuation has been issued by the Flathead County Sheriff for Heinrude community.  

Restrictions/Closures:   

• Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect as of August 5th. 

• An area closure is in effect for the Hungry Horse Reservoir, the front country of the Spotted Bear district as well the Gorge Creek drainage within the Bob Marshall Wilderness area, including Feather, Inspiration, Gorge, Canyon Trickle, and Stadium Creeks. 

• A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for air space over the Tin Soldier Complex to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area.  This includes the Spotted Bear and Meadow Creek Airstrips!  Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to UAS or drones. If you fly, we can’t!                     

WEATHER  

A cold front moved through the fire area yesterday afternoon, bringing one-tenth of an inch of rain and strong winds. Today is expected to be cooler, but breezy. Winds are forecasted this afternoon to shift from the southwest to the west with gusts up to 40 MPH on ridges and 25 MPH in the valleys. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70’s through the rest of the week. A warming and drying trend is anticipated beginning on Friday into the weekend.  

Crews on both the western and eastern sides of the fire have completed masticating and chipping actions in targeted areas to remove excess fuel. They continue strengthening fuel breaks into existing fuel treatment areas. Preparing for the anticipated hotter, drier weather, personnel are scouting for more areas to treat and establish more containment opportunities, especially in the south and west sections of the area. Those recreating or traveling in or through the fire area are encouraged to be aware of the situation and to pay attention to increased fire traffic. There are also several zones of public road repair in the local area. Private vehicles should yield to fire traffic and be extremely cautious in construction zones.

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5 INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON

CURRENT STATUS
Crews pulled hose lays and pumps from the northeast corner of the fire. However, crews will leave pumps and hose lays in place from Colt Lake westward. On the southern and northern edges of the fire, crews continued mop-up work and patrolled for remaining spots of heat along the fire’s perimeter. To the south, crews furthered their handline construction, aided by heavy equipment.
The unmanned aerial system (UAS) successfully mapped out areas of heat along the fire’s northern perimeter yesterday. The data from the UAS flights provide vital information to firefighters to pinpoint heat in the fire area that is too dangerous or difficult for crews to access from the ground.

PLANNED ACTION
Crews are expected to need three more days to complete the handline from the south flank of the fire to Sunset Ridge. This will connect their handline with the existing line constructed by heavy equipment along the ridgeline. Crews on the southwest end of the fire continue to construct handline along the fire’s edge, however, progress is slowed by steep terrain and hazardous trees. Heavy equipment is assisting crews by improving existing roads in the fire area.
The UAS will be mapping out the southern edge of the fire today, as conditions permit. As a reminder, the UAS aircraft is best able to pick up areas of heat within the fire late at night and early in the morning due to lower air temperatures at these times. For this reason, the temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the fire area (FDC 3/7867) has been extended to a full 24-hour restriction. This restriction is necessary to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. If you fly, we can’t!

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
The fire area received about 7/100 of an inch of rain yesterday evening with winds gusting up to 30 mph. While more rain is not expected in the coming days, gusty winds are expected to remain prevalent in the fire area. These gusts could reach up to 30 mph in the ridgetops and up to 20 mph in the valleys. Additionally, relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 20 percent with temperatures in the mid-80s. These conditions will likely result in an uptick in fire behavior.

Ridge Fire Daily Update - August 10, 2012

Start Date: July 30, 2023, 3:45 PM

Fire Information: 406-998-6074

Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Email: 2023.ridge@firenet.gov

Incident Website:  http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-ridge-fire

Location: 6 miles southeast of Hungry Horse

Size: 2,940 acres

Percent Contained: 0 %

Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush

Number of Personnel Assigned: 277

A community meeting with members from the California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 will be held tonight at the Glacier Bible Camp in Hungry Horse at 7:00 PM.  

CURRENT SITUATION: 

With constant monitoring, aircraft found opportunity to attack the fire yesterday. Due to a cold front that had a wetting rain yesterday, firefighters were able to take advantage and continue improving perimeter lines on the south and east sides of the fire while holding it to 2,940 acres – there was minimal fire activity last night.  

Utilizing hand tools and saws in steep terrain, firefighters will continue to improve perimeter lines, and will go direct and attack the fire on a portion along FS Road #38 today. While we experienced rain yesterday, it is expected to dry up and become warmer. On the eastern flank of the fire, weather permitting, aircraft will support ground resources with aerial drops in inaccessible terrain. Dozers and crews will continue to improve indirect lines along FS Road #497 and 590E Road. Additional resources have arrived, and fire equipment will be entering and exiting Highway 2 – use caution.  

Incident personnel will continue to monitor weather and fire conditions to determine when aircraft can be utilized to aid ground resources. Weather permitting, aircraft will be used on the eastern front of the fire.

⚠️ Hungry Horse Reservoir Closed Due to Fire Activity ⚠️

Hungry Horse Reservoir is closed until further notice. All National Forest System lands in the area and National Forest System roads 38 and 895 will be closed to public use for public and firefighter safety. 

The following road closures are in effect: 

• FS Road #38 (East Side Road #38) is closed to all public traffic east of the junction of FS Road #497 (Desert Mountain Road) and East Side Road #38. 
• FS Road #895 (West Side South Fork Road #895) is closed to all public traffic starting at mile 15, near the Lid Creek Campground.
• West Side South Fork Road #895 from the Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center to the existing closure at mile 15, near the Lid Creek Campground. Pre-evacuation notice in effect for private property along SF Abbot Creek on the west side of the fire.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: 

While we experienced rain yesterday, it is expected to dry up and become warmer with the beginning of a drying trend. Winds are expected at 15 – 20 MPH with gusts of 25 - 30 MPH in the fire area.  

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES:

Residents should stay alert for changing conditions and visit ready.gov/wildfires for preparing for wildfires. For up-to- date information on the Ridge Fire, please visit InciWeb, Ridge Fire Information Facebook, 2023 Ridge Fire Information YouTube, and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office Facebook for evacuation information. 

Please refer to http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-tin-soldier-complex for the Tin Soldier Complex incident information.   

    https://www.facebook.com/ridge.fire.information

  https://www.youtube.com/@2023ridgefire

Fuego
El fuego Lowline se encuentra en 1,871 acres y está contenido 55%.

Humo
Seguiremos viendo las mismas tendencias con los impactos del humo en la zona. El humo local incluye una ligera bruma. El humo en el valle, en las áreas de Gunnison y en el centro del condado de Gunnison continúa hasta las primeras horas de la mañana y en las altas horas de la noche, con un impacto de humo MODERADO. El humo se disipará al mediodía con el aumento de los vientos del oeste en la zona. En el área de County Road #730 se seguirán produciendo períodos de humo MODERADO. Los impactos de humo ligero en las áreas cercanas a Almont y la autopista 135 se disiparán a primera hora de la mañana, ya que los vientos del oeste empujan el humo hacia el este. Crested Butte seguirá teniendo una BUENA calidad de aire durante todo el día.

Alerta de calidad del aire

Aviso de salud sobre la calidad del aire por el humo de los incendios forestales Emitido para el centro del condado de Gunnison

Big Knife, Niarada, & Mill Pocket Fires

Daily Update August 10, 2023

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Fire Information: 406-426-9595 | 2023.BigKnife@firenet.gov

https://tinyurl.com/BigKnifeFire                                          

https://tinyurl.com/NiaradaMillPocketFires

Location: Big Knife - 5 miles east of Arlee, MT | Niarada - 12 miles west of Elmo, MT | Mill Pocket: 3 miles West of Hwy. 28

Start Date: Big Knife - 7/24/2023 | Niarada - 7/30/2023 | Mill Pocket – 7/30/2023    Cause: Lightning Structures Lost: 4

 Big Knife-4,952 acres, 5% contained | Niarada–20,365 acres, 39% contained | Mill Pocket– 2,135 acres, 51% contained

Total Personnel: 742 total    Engines: 46       Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed     Hand Crews: 17

Community meeting TONIGHT!

Please join us tonight, Thursday, August 10, at the Arlee Community Center at 6 PM for a public meeting. We will live-stream the meeting via the CSKT Division of Fire Facebook page, and we will provide status updates for all three fires.

Big Knife Fire

A passing cold front late Wednesday brought precipitation to the Big Knife Fire area, further dampening fire behavior. Despite the rain, fire managers are evaluating long-term potential fire growth due to the projected weather patterns and season. Heavy equipment operators are tying existing road prisms into constructed firelines along the fire’s southwestern perimeter. Crews continue assessing and implementing point protection measures to protect infrastructure and cultural resources identified by Resource Advisors. Firefighters are mopping up the edge of a strategic firing operation they conducted late last week to keep the fire north of Agency Creek. Aircraft are aiding firefighters as conditions allow, and fire managers used an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to perform reconnaissance and infrared (IR) detection flights in South Fork Jock Canyon and Agency Creek areas on Wednesday.

Niarada Fire & Mill Pocket Fire

Light rain fell over much of the Niarada and Mill Pocket fire areas Wednesday, further wetting small and medium fuels. However, much of the moisture is not penetrating heavy timber canopies. The cooler, wetter weather enabled firefighters to build more direct handline than was possible a few days ago. Crews continue mopping up along Cromwell Creek Road (working inward from the fire's edge) and assessing pockets of unburned fuels west of that line to evaluate whether they pose concerns for containment. Heavy fuels and steep terrain continue hampering efforts along the fire's eastern and southeastern edge. Firefighters will likely need to perform firing operations when conditions are conducive to secure portions of the indirect line in that area. Structure protection crews continue to work outside Elmo towards Big Arm, and a night shift helps keep watch over changing conditions and fire behavior.

A type 1 helicopter conducting water drops cooled hot spots still smoldering in treacherous scree along the Mill Pocket Fire's northwestern edge. At the same time, firefighters on the ground are patrolling and mopping up the remaining fire perimeter.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

The cold front passing over the fire areas mid-week will continue to bring gusty winds up to 25-30 miles per hour. Meteorologists forecast warmer temperatures with highs in the 80s and a slow warming/drying trend. By the weekend, small and medium fuels (especially at low elevations) will likely dry out enough to increase fire behavior.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

The Lake County Sheriff has placed several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire in PRE-EVACUATION status. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is downgrading those in EVACUATION status near the Niarada Fire in Lake County to a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING. This area includes Alexander Road, Early Dawn Road, Spring Lane Road, Walking Horse Lane, Windward Heights Road, Wildhorse View, Buffalo Bridge Road, Saddle Drive, Island Butte Lane, Bridle Path, Ten Deuce Way, Cliffview Drive, and Ricketts Road.

A PRE-EVACUATION WARNING means you may return to your home. However, as there is still a potential threat from the Niarada Fire, please do not bring back evacuated livestock until the area is downgraded to READY status. The remainder of the town of Elmo is in READY status.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around both fire areas. Do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near the fire areas, as that is hazardous for pilots, and the firefighters on the ground who rely on aircraft support. Remember, if you fly, we can’t!

Use extreme caution when driving on Highway 28. Although authorities have removed the modified speed limit on Highway 28, firefighters and equipment are still working in the area.       

FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines between 1PM-1AM, no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more fire information across Montana.

Crews on both the western and eastern sides of the fire have completed masticating and chipping actions in targeted areas to remove excess fuel. They continue strengthening fuel breaks into existing fuel treatment areas. Preparing for the anticipated hotter, drier weather, personnel are scouting for more areas to treat and establish more containment opportunities, especially in the south and west sections of the area. Those recreating or traveling in or through the fire area are encouraged to be aware of the situation and to pay attention to increased fire traffic. There are also several zones of public road repair in the local area. Private vehicles should yield to fire traffic and be extremely cautious in construction zones.